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Holiday Decor

If you want to be the most impressively decorated house on the block, you’ll need to plan for next year. Set a reminder to spend December 26 stocking up on everything from holiday lights to inflatable snowmen, and from pre-lit Christmas trees to sparkly tree toppers. Of course, there’s a chance that these items could hit sale shelves just before Christmas, too.

Last year, Lowe’s kicked off a Christmas clearance sale a couple of days before the holiday, offering shoppers the chance to grab last-minute decor for cheap.S

However, buying decorations right before Christmas means you won’t be able to leave them up long, unless you prefer to leave your house decorated year-round. So why not wait a few more days for the really good sales? Last year, Home Depot kicked off its sale on December 30 and took 50% to 75% off Christmas trees, lighting, and other decor. Shopping sales like that means you can deck the halls with savings in 2019, while everyone else is paying full price.

Exercise Equipment

Last year, about 21% of the fitness deals we listed were Editors’ Choice picks. That might not sound like much, but they’re definitely worth checking out (especially if you have a certain New Year’s resolution on your list).

REI was one retailer to watch last year, as it took 50% off apparel and gear right after Christmas Day. And if you were interested in outlet shopping, REI Garage took an extra 25% off one item. Additionally, check for item-specific discounts — in 2017, we saw weight sets drop to $15.

Video Games

If you didn’t find the video game deals you wanted before Christmas, you’re in luck! Last year, nearly 50% of the video game deals we saw during After Christmas sales were Editors’ Choice-worthy. They included titles like Fallout 4 for only $8, and an Xbox One X bundle that was $108 cheaper than buying the items separately.Last year, nearly 50% of the video game deals we saw during After Christmas sales were Editors’ Choice-worthy.

Prefer PC gaming? Look for the Steam Winter Sale to kick off sometime around December 20. Since this promotion lasts longer than the Autumn Sale, you should have more of a chance to grab all the titles on your wishlist. Amazon tends to drop game prices, too.

And if you prefer console gaming, be sure to check out GameStop’s sale. Typically that retailer hosts a buy two, get one free sale on used items.

Electronics

You won’t find a ton of Editors’ Choice deals on electronics post-Christmas — in fact, only about 13% of the deals we saw last year earned our best-of-the-best designation. However, it’s still worth checking them out! It’s possible you’ll find an unbeatable deal on a gadget or device you’ve been eyeing. TVs and headphones will be popular items for deals, with a wide variety of prices and types on sale.

In 2017, we saw a Samsung 55″ smart set that beat its Cyber Monday price by $99 and an LG 43″ smart TV bundled with a $100 gift card for $330. We also saw Klipsch earbuds drop to the lowest price we’d seen.

We also expect to see a few Amazon device bundles. Last year, a second-generation Dot and Fire TV Stick were sold together for $60 during the After Christmas sales. If you don’t mind refurbished products, you can usually find a slew of deals, including TVs and headphones. You should also keep an eye out for Canon‘s refurbished sale, which tends to take an extra 15% off select items.

Holiday Decor

If you want to be the most impressively decorated house on the block, you’ll need to plan for next year. Set a reminder to spend December 26 stocking up on everything from holiday lights to inflatable snowmen, and from pre-lit Christmas trees to sparkly tree toppers. Of course, there’s a chance that these items could hit sale shelves just before Christmas, too.

Last year, Lowe’s kicked off a Christmas clearance sale a couple of days before the holiday, offering shoppers the chance to grab last-minute decor for cheap.

However, buying decorations right before Christmas means you won’t be able to leave them up long, unless you prefer to leave your house decorated year-round. So why not wait a few more days for the really good sales? Last year, Home Depot kicked off its sale on December 30 and took 50% to 75% off Christmas trees, lighting, and other decor. Shopping sales like that means you can deck the halls with savings in 2019, while everyone else is paying full price.

One visit to Goldwiser and you will make it your favorite place to buy and sell your precious metals!!!

What to Expect From After Christmas Sales

If you thought December 25 marked the end of the winter shopping season, you’re definitely mistaken. After Christmas sales have exploded in recent years, providing yet another opportunity to score awesome deals before the year is over.

Despite the moniker, we actually saw sales begin on December 21 last year. Neiman Marcus led the pack with free overnight shipping — which meant you could get your After Christmas goodies before Christmas Day. That said, in 2018 the bulk of the After Christmas sales will fall between December 26 and New Year’s Eve.

Here are the best things to buy during After Christmas sales.

Clothing

Clothing deals tend to dominate After Christmas sales. Last year, about 55% of the post-holiday deals we saw were for clothing and accessories. Even better, these sales often matched Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales — if not outright beating them.

For example, last year Men’s Wearhouse took an extra 60% off clearance, tying as the strongest general clearance sale we’d seen from the clothier all year. Additionally, Banana Republic and Kate Spade hosted their best extra discounts of the year. They took an extra 60% and 40% off, respectively.

Last year, about 55% of the After Christmas deals were for clothing and accessories.

Be sure to look out for clearance clothes, which are sure to have incredibly steep discounts. Last year, New York & Company had an excellent buy one, get three free offer on clearance items.

For its part, Jos. A. Bank offered a scarf and hat set for only $7. The menswear retailer also had polos for only $6, while American Eagle Outfitters had reversible beanies for $4.

Stay turned to Part 2 for more about the Best After Christmas shopping deals!

DISNEY PARKS MAGICAL CHRISTMAS DAY

The Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day parade once again brought the celebrations from Florida’s Walt Disney World resort directly to American television screens.

The parade traveled down Main Street, U.S.A., the first “themed land” at the park, and passed a Christmas tree that stands around 60-feet tall. Later in the evening, the iconic Disney castle was lite up prior to a huge firework display. There was also a slew of musical performances.

The parade aired from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST) on the ABC Television Network. It is also available to watch on the ABC app on both iOS and Android devices, and will stream on ABC.com and connected devices Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.

According to a press release on the Disney Parks blog, airtimes did vary. This year, the segment was hosted by Jordan Fisher and Sarah Hyland. Jesse Palmer also performed co-host duties at the Christmas Day celebration.

The festivities brought together the “Christmas Day parade, musical performances, celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories”. Parade correspondents were listed as actor Trevor Jackson and Cierra Ramirez, star of upcoming series Good Trouble.

Here are the musical performances for the day:

Gwen Stefani performs “Winter Wonderland” from her Christmas album.

Brett Eldredge sings the holiday classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Andrea Bocelli sings the incredibly moving “Ave Maria”; then Andrea is joined by his son, Matteo Bocelli, to perform “White Christmas.”

Why Don’t We performs “Kiss You This Christmas” from their holiday album.

This is THE holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom and one of the best of all the parks. Up until about a week before Christmas, this parade is shown exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — and shown at night. Then, about a week before Christmas, the parade is shown once or twice in the daytime during regular park hours. The Kringle Crew provides a “pre-parade” experience with singing and crowd interaction. The parade, itself, consists of tons of Disney characters decked out in holiday-garb, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and plenty of holiday music.

Hope all readers had a wonderful Christmas! Best wishes for a Happy New Year!

This Soft Gingerbread recipe dates back to the year 1934 and is also know as “spice bread” in France and “pepper cake” in Germany. It was a favorite holiday treat in the home of Walt Disney! This recipe is included in the book, “Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food”.

Serves 9

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

3/4 Cup hot water

1/4 Cup butter, room temperature

1/4 Cup vegetable shortening

1/4 Cup sugar

1 Egg, well beaten

1 Cup Molasses

2 Cups flour, sifted

1 Teaspoon ground ginger

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, shortening and sugar for about 3 minutes.

Add baking soda water to mixture and beat until smooth (about 1 minute).

Grease and flour an 8-inch by 8-inch pan. Pour in batter.

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool before cutting into nine even pieces and serving.

TIP: lightly coating your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring out your molasses will help the molasses pour easily and completely.

Two decades before the California food revolution, Walt Disney was planning a revolution of his own. Walt knew that food could be more than nourishment – it could be entertaining, too. The concept of families eating and playing at the same time was an innovation in mid-century America. Food in Disneyland wasn’t gray or humdrum. It was full of fantasy and color!

Eat Like Walt is a culinary tour of the park’s six lands. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.”

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Part 2

Here Comes Mickey… and Santa Too!

This Christmas season, get ready for a magical holiday gathering with your loved ones—and some familiar Disney faces.When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom Park lights up with excitement for Guests of all ages. Cinderella Castle shimmers and joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn!

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you’re invited to share hugs, receive autographs and capture photos with over a dozen beloved Disney Characters as they spread holiday cheer around Magic Kingdom Park.

Discover dozens of iconic Magic Kingdom attractions you’re welcome to enjoy as you explore each land!

This year, many of your favorite experiences will be available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party—including one re-imagined with holiday spirit:

Savor delicious yuletide sweets as you sip on seasonal beverages, all complimentary and available all throughout the park.

Several holiday treat locations will be open until midnight during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, serving up a variety of complimentary delights!

Please note that alternative healthy and gluten-free options are available upon request. All menus and offerings are subject to change and availability.

Schedule and Pricing
Save $10 on your tickets compared to the day-of purchase price when you buy at least a day in advance! The party takes place on the following dates:

November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30

December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21

Prices vary based on event night. $10 advance purchase discount available for all event dates except December 21, 2018, when full day-of purchase price will apply. Be sure to purchase your tickets online today!

Please note: separate theme park admission is required for this special event.

One visit to Goldwiser and you will make it your favorite place to buy and sell your precious metals!!!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Part 1

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

This is an absolutely spectacular Christmas Parade. This parade has it all including marching soldiers, dancing reindeer and gingerbread men, and even the big man himself, Ole Saint Nick! Children of all ages will be amazed!!

The parade begins in the Magic Kingdom on Main Street, USA, and features the appearances of many Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto, Scrooge McDuck and Chip & Dale, as well as floats featuring celebrities. Musical performances and marching bands from various schools and community groups across the USA are also showcased. The parade concludes with the arrival of Santa Claus. Most of the program is taped for television in November and early December for broadcast on Christmas Day. Until the early 1990s, the parade was broadcast live on Christmas Day!!

The conclusion of the nightly parade is Holiday Wishes, a nightly fireworks show. Holiday Wishes is amazing!! It joins the fireworks with accompanying Christmas song lyrics. It is truly a spectacular Christmas fireworks show!

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and the Holiday Wishes fireworks are shown nightly and are not to be missed if you are visiting Disney World for the holidays!

Visit any of our Goldwiser locations for selling your precious metals and buying your Christmas gifts of jewelry or coins. You won’t be disappointed!

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

Candlelight Narrators

Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator, and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. Performances are at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM daily from November 22 through December 30, 2018.

Candlelight Narrators

Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.

This year, an exciting line-up of celebrities—including a few new faces and voices—are set to lend their talents.

Narrators and Dates

Chita Rivera – November 22 to 23, 2018

NEW! Helen Hunt – November 24 to 25, 2018

NEW! Alfonso Ribeiro – November 26 to 27, 2018

Robby Benson – November 28 to 30, 2018

John Stamos – December 1 to 2, 2018

Neil Patrick Harris – December 3 to 6, 2018

Whoopi Goldberg – December 7 to 9, 2018

NEW! Bart Millard – December 10 to 12, 2018

Blair Underwood – December 13 to 14, 2018

Gary Sinise – December 15 to 17, 2018

Pat Sajak – December 18 to 20, 2018

NEW! Auli’i Cravalho – December 21 to 23, 2018

NEW! Joey Fatone – December 24 to 25, 2018

Jodi Benson – December 26 to 27, 2018

Cal Ripken Jr. – December 28 to 30, 2018

When & Where

Performances take place daily at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM from November 22 through December 30, 2018 at America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. Epcot admission is required but this is not an extra ticket event. Seating is limited, however, you can enjoy guaranteed seating when you purchase a Candlelight Dining Package.

This is a show you will not want to miss. A choir joined by a 50-piece live orchestra and a celebrity narrator reads the story of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. The story is told in words and music. Disney cast members try out to be part of the Christmas Tree (in the middle of the choir) and high school and college choirs from different parts of the country are invited to participate.

If you are planning a trip to Disney at Christmas, this show will be going on until the end of the year. A very moving performance that should not be missed!!

Once you visit one of our Goldwiser locations, you will be back to sell precious metals and to buy gold, silver or our discounted jewelry!!

CHRISTMAS AT DISNEY – EPCOT’S CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION 2018

EPCOT’S CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION

The Candlelight Processional and Choir originally started at Disneyland in 1958. After the opening of Disney World in 1971, the show was held at The Magic Kingdom for several years. In 1994, The Candlelight Processional moved to Epot and it has been there ever since that year.

This is a show you will not want to miss. It’s held in the America Gardens Theatre with three performances nightly. A choir joined by a 50-piece live orchestra and a celebrity narrator reads the story of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. The story is told in words and music. Disney cast members try out to be part of the Christmas Tree (in the middle of the choir) and high school and college choirs from different parts of the country are invited to participate.

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS

Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.

This year, an exciting line-up of celebrities—including a few new faces and voices—are set to lend their talents.

If you are planning a trip to Disney at Christmas, this show will be going on until the end of the year. A very moving performance that should not be missed!!

Dates, Times and Location

November 22 to December 30, 2018

5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM

America Gardens Theater

Epcot admission is required.

You do not need a special event ticket to attend the Candlelight Processional. However, you can enjoy guaranteed seating when you purchase a Candlelight Dining Package.

Once you visit one of our Goldwiser locations, you will be back to sell precious metals and to buy gold, silver or our discounted jewelry!!

Christmas Ornaments – Part 2

Mass production

The first American-made glass ornaments were created by William DeMuth in New York in 1870. In 1880, Woolworth’s began selling Lauscha glass ornaments. Other stores began selling Christmas ornaments by the late 19th century and by 1910, Woolworth’s had gone national with over 1000 stores bringing Christmas ornaments across America. New suppliers popped up everywhere including Dresden die-cut fiberboard ornaments which were popular among families with small children.

By the 20th century, Woolworth’s had imported 200,000 ornaments and topped $25 million in sales from Christmas decorations alone. As of 2009, the Christmas decoration industry ranks second to gifts in seasonal sales.

Many silver companies, such as Gorham, Wallace, Towle, Lunt and Reed & Barton began manufacturing silver Christmas ornaments in 1970 and 1971.

In 1973, Hallmark Cards started manufacturing Christmas ornaments. The first collection included 18 ornaments, including six glass ball ornaments. The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament collection is dated and available for just one year. By 1998, 11 million American households collected Hallmark ornaments, and 250,000 people were member of the Keepsake Ornament Collector’s Club. There were as many as 400 local Keepsake Ornament Collector’s Club chapters in the US. One noted Christmas ornament authority is Clara Johnson Scroggins who has written extensively on the topic and has one of the largest private collections of Christmas ornaments.

In 1996, the ornament industry generated $2.4 billion in total annual sales, an increase of 25% over the previous year. Industry experts estimated more than 22 million US households collected Christmas ornaments, and that 75% of those households collected Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.

Post World War II

After World War II, the East German government turned most of Lauscha’s glassworks into state-owned entities, and production of baubles in Lauscha ceased. After the Berlin Wall came down, most of the firms were reestablished as private companies. As of 2009, there are still about 20 small glass-blowing firms active in Lauscha that produce baubles. One of the producers is Krebs Glas Lauscha, part of the Krebs family which is now one of the largest producers of glass ornaments worldwide.

Modern baubles

Although glass baubles are still produced, as expensive good quality ornaments often found at markets, baubles are now frequently made from plastic and available worldwide in a huge variety of shapes, colors and designs. There are a large number of manufacturers producing sophisticated Christmas glass ornaments in Poland, which produce “bombka” or the plural form “bombki“; and millions of glass blown Christmas ornaments are made year-round in Tlalpujahua, Michoacan, Mexico and exported to Spain, New Zealand and France. Also made in Chignahuapan, Puebla, Mexico, where every year thousands of people make their arrival.

Handcrafted

Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments have become a staple of craft fairs and many smaller online businesses owing much of the success to both the internet and the growth of craft stores.

One visit to Goldwiser and you will agree we have the best prices for buying your gold, silver or platinum!! We also sell bullion, coins and jewelry.